Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sharply condemned the violence, looting, and destruction of property that took place across Kenya during the June 25 protests. Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday afternoon, June 26, 2025, after assessing the damage in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), Murkomen stated that the demonstrations were not peaceful expressions of dissent but a well-planned attempt to destabilize President William Ruto’s government.
The CS characterized the chaos as a premeditated and coordinated effort involving criminal gangs and what he called “anarchists” posing as peaceful demonstrators. He warned that the protests had crossed a constitutional red line, terming the actions on Wednesday as “an attempted coup in Kenya protests” and likening them to acts of terrorism.
“There was no peaceful demonstration. It was riots, chaos and anarchy,” said Murkomen. “We condemn the criminal anarchists in the name of peaceful demonstrations who unleashed a wave of violence, looting, sexual assault, and destruction upon our people.”
An Attempt to Subvert a Legitimate Government
According to Murkomen, the scale and nature of the violence witnessed during the anti-government demonstrations in Kenya suggest a deeper, more sinister motive beyond civil disobedience. He claimed that the financiers of the protests were pushing for regime change by unconstitutional means.
“What we saw yesterday was not just a protest,” Murkomen told reporters. “It was an orchestrated plan to overthrow the current administration. The police tried to foil an attempted coup, and the nation must now ask itself serious questions about who is funding this kind of chaos.”
He further claimed that evidence is being gathered to unmask those allegedly behind the financing and mobilization of the riots, and that arrests will be made soon. Murkomen added that the government will not hesitate to take strong legal action against anyone found culpable of inciting or organizing the protests under the guise of peaceful demonstrations.
Destruction in Nairobi and Other Cities
Murkomen’s remarks come a day after widespread demonstrations gripped Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, and several other urban centers. While the initial intent of the protests was to oppose the controversial Finance Bill 2025, the demonstrations quickly devolved into violence, with multiple cases of vandalism, looting of businesses, and confrontations between protesters and police.
In Nairobi, sections of Moi Avenue and Tom Mboya Street were left in ruins, with broken windows, burned kiosks, and looted shops. Transport services were paralyzed, and businesses were forced to shut down as protesters clashed with anti-riot police.
Murkomen, while addressing journalists in front of a torched vehicle near the National Archives, stated that the attacks on public and private property were not spontaneous acts but carried out by organized groups.
“These were not random acts of youth expressing discontent,” he said. “This was a terror mission against law-abiding Kenyans. Those involved in violence during anti-government demonstrations in Kenya must be held accountable.”
Allegations of Sexual Assault and Other Crimes
The Interior CS also made grave allegations that criminal elements within the protests committed sexual assault and other human rights violations. While he did not provide detailed reports, he said that security agencies are investigating claims made by victims and witnesses.
“Among the atrocities committed were acts of sexual violence and intimidation, especially targeting women in business premises,” Murkomen said. “This cannot be allowed in a democratic society.”
Human rights groups, while condemning the violence, have called for independent investigations to verify such claims and ensure that both state and non-state actors are held to the same legal standards.
Police Actions and Use of Force
Murkomen defended the actions of the police during the protests, asserting that law enforcement acted with restraint and professionalism despite being provoked. He denied allegations of police brutality and insisted that the security agencies were operating under strict instructions to protect life and property.
“Our officers were provoked, injured, and in some cases targeted by the same criminals pretending to be protesters,” he explained. “They showed extraordinary discipline, and their presence helped prevent worse outcomes.”
However, multiple videos circulating online show police dispersing crowds with tear gas and live ammunition, leading to at least five reported deaths and dozens of injuries. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has launched an inquiry into the alleged police excesses.
Government’s Next Steps
In response to the chaos, the government has announced heightened security operations across the country. The Interior Ministry is working with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to identify those suspected of organizing the protests and committing criminal acts.
Murkomen warned that stern action would be taken against any politician, activist, or social media influencer found to have played a role in inciting unrest.
“Kenya is a democracy, but no democracy allows for terrorism disguised as dissent,” he said. “Those who think they can burn the country to make a political point are gravely mistaken.”
The Interior CS also indicated that the government is reviewing current laws to tighten penalties on illegal protests and ensure that future demonstrations are more strictly regulated.
Public Reaction and Political Divide
Murkomen’s statement has drawn mixed reactions from the public and political leaders. Supporters of the Kenya Kwanza government applauded his strong stance, saying it was time to clamp down on what they termed “lawlessness disguised as activism.”
On the other hand, opposition leaders criticized the remarks, accusing the government of using fear tactics to suppress legitimate dissent.
Azimio La Umoja leaders, including Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa, issued a joint statement accusing the Interior CS of “criminalizing the constitutionally guaranteed right to protest” and demanded an independent investigation into the police’s use of force.
Conclusion
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the chaotic protests, Kipchumba Murkomen’s declaration that Kenya witnessed “an attempted coup disguised as protests” has added fuel to an already volatile political climate. With ongoing investigations, rising public tensions, and increased international attention, the coming days will be critical for Kenya’s democracy and stability.
Whether this marks a turning point in how protests are handled in the country—or signals a clampdown on civil liberties—remains to be seen.